Annecy International Animated Film Festival

This year, the Annecy Festival has chosen to present Didier Brunner with the Honorary Cristal. Founder of Les Armateurs production studio and currently at the helm of Folivari, he’s known for producing poetic animation sensations.

After studying Theatre at the Sorbonne in Paris, he started working in film as a director’s assistant, then as a director. He then created the Trans Europe Film company, where he produced the series Des Chats amongst others. In 1994, he founded Les Armateurs, the production studio that would give life to some unforgettable French animation films.

In 1999, his production Kirikou and the Sorceress won over the hearts of the crowd and the critics, and took home the Grand Prix for an Animated Feature at the Annecy Festival. Films produced by Les Armateurs were frequently found in our Official Selection. In 2013, the year after Ernest & Celestine mesmerized festivalgoers, Didier Brunner was back here again as a jury member.

Since France is in the spotlight this year, it seems fitting to pay tribute to this French producer and Festival regular for his accomplishments throughout his career.